Hummingbirds are the glittering jewels of the bird world, darting from flower to flower in search of nectar.
If you’re looking to draw these mesmerizing birds into your garden, native flowers are the secret weapon. Not only do they attract hummingbirds with their bright colors and sweet nectar, but they also play an essential role in the local ecosystem.
Here are 12 of the best native flowers that will have hummingbirds buzzing around your garden.
1. Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Coral Honeysuckle is a striking vine known for its tubular, coral-red blossoms. Blooming from early spring through summer, its sweet nectar lures hummingbirds with irresistible fervor. Native to the southeastern United States, it thrives in various soils, preferring full sun or partial shade.
These vibrant flowers attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only species regularly found east of the Mississippi River. The noninvasive vine can reach up to 15 feet, making it ideal for trellises or fences.
Not only does it provide sustenance to hummingbirds, but it also attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
2. Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
A delicate woodland perennial, Red Columbine dazzles with its drooping, bell-shaped red and yellow flowers. Found in the eastern US and parts of Canada, this native beauty blooms in spring, offering a crucial early-season nectar source.
Hummingbirds flock to its unique blossoms, sipping nectar while performing their signature acrobatic maneuvers. Tolerant of various light conditions, Red Columbine thrives in shade or partial sun and reaches heights of up to three feet. Plus, it readily self-seeds, providing a natural and consistent bloom year after year.
3. Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma)
The vibrant Scarlet Beebalm is a magnet for hummingbirds with its showy, scarlet-red blooms. Native to the eastern United States, this perennial herb grows up to four feet tall, offering a nectar feast from midsummer to early fall.
Its tubular blossoms make it easy for hummingbirds to feed, while the aromatic foliage adds a touch of fragrance to your garden. Scarlet Beebalm prefers sunny locations but tolerates light shade.
Beyond hummingbirds, it’s also a favorite among bees and butterflies, making it a pollinator powerhouse.
4. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Cardinal Flower is an unmistakable standout, with vivid red blooms that create a visual spectacle. Native to wetlands and stream banks across North America, it prefers moist soil and partial sun. When conditions are just right, it can reach up to five feet tall.
Hummingbirds can’t resist its striking flowers, which bloom from midsummer to fall. The tubular blossoms are perfectly shaped for hummingbird beaks, offering a nectar-rich feast. While it’s a short-lived perennial, Cardinal Flower often reseeds itself, ensuring a lasting presence in your garden.
5. Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
A vigorous, woody vine, the Trumpet Creeper is a hummingbird favorite due to its large, trumpet-shaped orange-red blooms. Native to the southeastern United States, it flourishes in full sun and can grow up to 30 feet, making it perfect for covering fences or trellises.
Its long blooming period, from midsummer through fall, provides a steady nectar supply. However, gardeners should be mindful of its aggressive nature, as it can quickly overtake smaller plants. Despite this, its ability to attract hummingbirds is unparalleled.
6. Fire Pink (Silene virginica)
Fire Pink is a striking perennial native to the eastern United States, boasting brilliant scarlet-red blooms. Its five-petaled flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, drawing hummingbirds to its sweet nectar.
Reaching up to two feet tall, Fire Pink thrives in partial shade and well-drained soils. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to its nectar-laden flowers, which stand out in any woodland or rocky garden setting. Despite its vivid color, it’s not as aggressive as other Silene species, making it easier to manage.
7. Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
Red Buckeye is a small tree or large shrub with clusters of tubular red flowers that bloom in early spring. Native to the southeastern United States, it provides one of the earliest sources of nectar for hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Growing up to 20 feet tall, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soils. Its distinctive red flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike, while its glossy foliage adds beauty to any garden. Be aware, though, that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
8. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea)
Hummingbird Sage, also known as Pitcher Sage, is a perennial herb native to California. Its tubular, magenta flowers bloom from spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds with their sweet fragrance.
Preferring dry, shady environments, Hummingbird Sage can reach up to three feet tall and form dense clusters of flowers atop fuzzy, aromatic leaves. In addition to attracting hummingbirds, it attracts bees and other pollinators, adding to the garden’s ecological diversity.
9. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Indian Pink is a charming perennial that displays clusters of tubular, scarlet-red flowers with yellow throats. Native to the southeastern United States, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soils.
Blooming from late spring to early summer, Indian Pink draws hummingbirds with its striking color contrast and nectar-rich flowers. The plant reaches up to two feet tall and forms neat clumps, making it suitable for shaded borders and woodland gardens.
10. Western Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
Western Red Columbine is a versatile perennial native to western North America. Its nodding, red, and yellow flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Reaching up to three feet tall, it prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Hummingbirds love its distinctive spurred flowers, which are perfectly adapted for their long beaks. The plant self-seeds readily, ensuring a reliable supply of blooms year after year.
11. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Blazing Star, also known as Gayfeather, is a perennial wildflower native to the eastern United States. Its tall spikes of purple-pink flowers bloom from midsummer to fall, offering a striking visual display and a reliable nectar source for hummingbirds.
Reaching up to five feet tall, Blazing Star thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Apart from hummingbirds, it attracts bees and butterflies, adding to its appeal as a pollinator-friendly plant. Its unique blooms also make excellent cut flowers.
12. Yellow Trumpetbush (Tecoma stans)
Yellow Trumpetbush is a showy shrub native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. Its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom from spring to fall, attracting hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
Growing up to 25 feet tall, this versatile shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Its long blooming season provides a steady nectar source, while its cheerful yellow flowers brighten up any garden. It also attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing its pollinator appeal.
Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds is both rewarding and environmentally beneficial. So, get planting and enjoy the magical dance of hummingbirds right in your own backyard!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.